Catherine Gadsby, chair of the Cops for Cancer Ladies’ Red Serge Gala Committee, is stepping down after nearly a decade of service – and she’s hoping someone else in the community is willing to take the helm.
“I’ve done it since 2007 and there’s a lot of responsibility,” said Gadsby, who plans to still participate on the committee.
While others on the committee have been offered the position of chair, Gadsby said no one has stepped forward, which is why she’s now putting the call out to the wider community.
“A lot of the girls that are on the committee have been doing what they have been doing for years – so if they don’t want to step up, I don’t want them to step out,” Gadsby said.
“I have to say this. I will be so upset if there aren’t, let’s say, one to three women on this whole Sunshine Coast who can step up. I know everybody’s busy, but you know the story – if you want somebody to do something, ask a busy woman.”
Gadsby originally took on the role of lead coordinator for the Ladies’ Red Serge Gala in response to the Sunshine Coast RCMP’s call for help.
“I put it to my book club and they’re a great bunch and then a couple of other very, very good friends stepped in and that’s how it started. It was by guess and by golly the first couple of years,” Gadsby said.
Now the gala is a much-anticipated affair that raises thousands for the Cops for Cancer event each year.
“Last year it was $45,000, which is the largest amount the gala has raised since forever,” Gadsby said. “The lowest that we ever made was $30,000 one year and that’s when times were really bad.”
Since 2007, Gadsby and her committee have raised $341,750 through the annual event.
All funds raised ultimately go to the Canadian Cancer Society to aid in childhood cancer research and facilitate programs that support children with cancer and their families.
The annual gala held in September features appetizers, a gourmet dinner and drinks served by RCMP members and firefighters, along with a silent and live auction, door prizes, draws, raffles and the ever-popular casino where guests can win Mountie bucks to bid on items.
Gadsby was a long-time patron before stepping up to take on the role of coordinator and she has enjoyed watching the event grow to become the single largest fundraiser for Cops for Cancer Tour de Coast – the bike ride that local officers take part in.
Gadsby wants to see that legacy continue under the guidance of a new go-to person.
“I’m still going to be on the committee, but we’re looking for someone to either take over as chair person or co-chairs,” Gadsby said.
“It would be criminal if someone didn’t step up to ensure it goes on.”
If you would like to get involved, email Gadsby at [email protected]
